A study conducted by the Swiss clinic Hirslanden in Zurich shows that beards contain more bacteria than dog fur.
The experiment was conducted on 18 humans and 30 dogs.
Through magnetic resonance imaging examinations, researchers discovered that all beards presented high levels of microorganisms.
+ Study explains why you should blink at your cat
+ Get to know the success story of hair therapy specialist Renata Fraga
Among the dogs, 23 were diagnosed with high levels, while seven had microbes at a moderate level in their fur.
The aim of the study was to investigate whether there was any risk of infection if the magnetic resonance imaging device was used by both humans and canines.
Despite the small sample size, scientists claim that dogs are at a higher risk of receiving some pathogenic agent.
Upon learning about the study, leaders of the British organization Beard Liberation Front hurried to say that this type of news only increases prejudice about an alleged lack of hygiene among bearded individuals. For them, this is a case of pogonophobia, which is the fear or aversion to beards.
